Queentah Wambulwa is a Wellness Enthusiast, Psychologist, Author (Selfcare Kit To Mental Wellness and The Ultimate Mental Health Planner) Speaker, Survivor of Cyber gender based violence, Twitter Spaces Host for #TheWellnessTribe, Founder of Girls for Girls Africa Mental Health Foundation (a Survivor led NGO that provides psychotherapy programs to survivors and caregivers) and Ressa Organics (an agro-processing social enterprise that adds value to SuperFood Pumpkin into Gluten Free Flour, Roasted Seeds and seed oil).
1. You are the Founder of Girls for Girls Africa Mental Health Foundation. What inspired its foundation?
After struggling with depression and anxiety for a while after my nudes were sent to the public, I started speaking about the experience and how it impacted my mental health . I shared about my struggles with depression and this allowed many others to open up and share about their struggles. This was the inspiration for the idea of having an organization that addresses mental health and provides accessible mental health care in the community. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of stigma associated with mental health and our mission is to eradicate the stigma while also providing information and resources on mental health at the grassroots level.
2. You are active in mental health and women’s rights, what makes you passionate about these issues?
Being a survivor of cyber gender based violence, I understand the struggle with power imbalances, social norms, gender inequality and the patriarchal society we live in. I dream of a society where women are free of violence and their rights are protected at all costs. Violence has a direct negative impact on our mental health and this is an area where not so much attention is given. I hope through our advocacy, we will create more trauma informed safe spaces for survivors of gender based violence to access mental health care to process their trauma.
As a mental health advocate and a psychologist, I also believe in the power of storytelling as a tool in ending stigma around mental health. My dream is to create and give resources to persons struggling with their mental health to tell their stories unashamedly.
3. If you weren’t a mental health advocate, what would you be doing?
I’d be a fitness model and a journalist.
4. What is something that our readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a pumpkin farmer who’s venturing into pumpkin value addition to make flour, roasted seeds and seed oil. The seeds are loaded with tryptophan, an amino acid that helps in production of serotonin, the feel good and mood stabilizing hormone.
5. Name 3 women you are inspired by and why?
- Oprah Winfrey – She’s brave and I’m inspired by her show.
- Michelle Obama – She’s the epitome of dreams coming true .
- Adelle Onyango – I’m inspired by her vulnerability and how she’s created a safe space for women to tell their stories through her podcast Legally Clueless.
6. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
To love and experience life. This has allowed me to enjoy every moment while being present.
7. What do happiness and success look like to you?
Well for me happiness is when I’m at peace with myself while success is when my work through my ventures (organization and social enterprise) has touched lives in a positive way.
8. What is your favourite thing about Kenya?
I love Kenya and its people. I love the sense of community that’s among Kenyans.
You can connect with Queentah on her platforms below.
Twitter @AuthorQueentah @G4G_Africa @RessaOrganics
Instagram @officialqueentahwambulwa
Facebook @Queentah Wambulwa
